Car operating fluids, what should you pay attention to?

Various operating fluids are used in the car. No internal combustion engine can run without fuel, be it diesel or premium gasoline. There are also other fluids that are essential for efficient and technically safe driving. Some of them can be replaced by yourself, others are checked and refilled in the workshop during the overhaul. All of them are available in specialized stores with car parts and accessories, such as e.g. iParts.pl. Nevertheless, it's important to know which fluids are flowing through your car, and that's exactly what you'll learn in this article.

Necessary fluids in the car

The engine only runs at its best when the car's fluid level is within the normal range. Some fluids protect engine parts from wear, others contribute to safety or reduce operating costs. Monitoring and taking into account the warning signals of the on-board computer also protects your vehicle against mechanical damage.

The fluid level can often be read directly from the reservoir. You can also find notes on the service intervals and a detailed description of them in the operating instructions for your vehicle. It is worth following them, especially in a new car, so as not to void the warranty. It's best to get a certain rhythm so you don't miss the controls.

Operating fluids to pay attention to:

• brake fluid
• antifreeze
• engine oil
• Windshield washer fluid

Brake fluid. What is it used for?

The task of the brake fluid ( https://www.iparts.pl/dodatkowa-oferta/oleje-i-plyny,plyny-hamulcowe,65-50.html ) is to transfer the force exerted from the brake pedal to the wheel. The boiling point and viscosity of the liquid play an important role here. Moreover, unlike other liquids, it has hygroscopic properties. This means that it attracts water over time. Under hot conditions, such as continuous braking, the water in the hose may evaporate and form air bubbles. If the brake fluid is old or the level is too low, the brake will not build up sufficient pressure and the brake will perform poorly or not at all.

The brake fluid expansion tank is located from the hood near the power steering. If the fluid does not reach the minimum value, it should be topped up up to the maximum mark.

How often should the coolant be changed?

Engine heat is generated in two ways: by burning fuel and by internal friction. Since the entire engine is made of metal, the heat from the combustion chambers is quickly distributed throughout the machine. The engine heats up even more as a result of internal friction. Cooling system with coolant ( https://www.iparts.pl/dodatkowa-oferta/oleje-i-plyny,plyny-do-chlodnic,65-60.html ) protects the hot engine against overheating, so its reserve should always be filled. As with brake fluid, there is a mark on the coolant reservoir that shows its level. When it is below the minimum value, it should be topped up. It is best to change the coolant only when the engine is cold. If the engine is still hot, open the reservoir very carefully as the closed cooling system is under pressure.

How much oil does a car consume?

Engine oil https://www.iparts.pl/dodatkowa-oferta/oleje-i-plyny,65.html lubricates all mechanical parts of the engine. Ensures smooth operation and low friction of moving parts in the engine. It also serves as a gentle seal between pistons, piston rings and cylinder running surfaces. It also ensures that engine parts are cleaned of combustion residues. In other words, nothing works without it. The missing engine oil can be easily topped up by yourself through the oil filler cap located in the engine compartment. All you have to do is open the lid. For small holes and large, bulky oil canisters, you can use a funnel to ensure that nothing spills out.

Practical tip: In modern cars, the oil level is monitored automatically. Nevertheless, its level should be checked manually every other refueling.

Windshield washer fluid

Wiper fluid https://www.iparts.pl/dodatkowa-oferta/oleje-i-plyny,plyny-do-sprawaczy,65-76.html is used to clean the front and rear windows of the car. Visibility in summer is disturbed by numerous mosquitoes and flies, and in winter by salt and dirt. Can you refill it yourself? Easily! Just open the lid of the washer fluid container, it is usually marked with a wiper symbol with a spray of water. Refill the reservoir with standard windshield wiper fluid in summer and with special antifreeze in winter.

On store shelves, you can also find concentrated liquids that can be diluted with demineralized water . Such a solution saves space and money.

What else is worth paying attention to in operating fluids?

Most car fluids should be checked with the engine cold. This is especially true for the coolant, which becomes very hot. The cooling system is also pressurized when engine parts are warm, drastically increasing the risk of scalding. Another recommendation is to check the oil level. In this case, the engine should reach the specified operating temperature but be switched off for a few minutes. This allows oil to accumulate and is easier to check. The markings on the fluid reservoir or the dipstick located in the reservoir cap are helpful when checking the oil. However, only minor losses are to be expected in the long run. Larger voids may indicate a leak or other defect.

In the car, the computer indicates whether there are problems with one of the operating fluids. Sometimes, however, the warning lamp comes on relatively late. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the fluid levels on your own regularly.